Everything is J.K. Rowlings. I only claim the plot. Everything else is hers, all the characters and the magic, all of it. Please let me know what you think though, I encourage feedback of all kinds, just be nice about it!
Thank you all for being so patient and supportive for this story. I wish I could say your patience will be rewarded and I'll post a bunch of new chapters. This is not the case. Sadly, I must ask you to be patient some more. I'm deploying once again in less than a month and with the holidays in just another week I'll be focusing on family and preparing to leave for the third time in two years. So I beg of more patience and I hope to post something later in December when I'm already down range but reality it might not be until January. But more is coming! Promise.
So, a very long chapter, it might be my longest yet, hopefully that will make up for the long wait ahead. A lot happens. Lots of emotions and I hope you like it. I didn't plan on it being so long but it kind of just got away from me. Actually the vast majority of this chapters surprises were not planned. I had the idea of him going to the Burrow and the rest all just kind of happened. But I like how it turned out and I hope you all will too. If there are any mistakes, please don't get hung up on them I don't have a Beta reader and I try to post these as soon as I finish so that you don't have to wait longer than necessary.
Reviews are always wonderful and they really, really help when I struggle at parts. Now, I hope you enjoy!
Chapter Thirty-Two
Harry fell out of the fireplace onto his knees coughing against the ash that filled his mouth. Once he started coughing he couldn't stop, his limbs shaking, his heart frantically pounding. The cold feeling he'd had before entering the Floo had been replaced by the limb shaking, hot flushed, feeling of shame.
He was a monster. Daphne was afraid of him.
The darkness of the typically warm and boisterous living room was oppressive and seemed to infiltrate his very breath, suffocating him. In the very distant recess of his conscious mind he heard a dull thudding on the stairs but he couldn't move. Couldn't react. His looping thoughts his only focus.
He was a monster. Daphne was afraid of him.
Light flared around him but it didn't deter the suffocating darkness, with each pant of breath he slipped deeper and deeper. A loud cry sounded muffled and soon hands were on him.
He was a monster. Daphne was afraid of him.
Something burning was placed into his hands and a vial pressed to his lips. Swallowing numbly, Harry felt the darkness fade slightly. It was still on the edge of his mind but blinking he could take in his surroundings. He was at the kitchen table now, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley kneeling on either side of him. Both still in their night clothes and looking frightfully concerned. His fingers tightened around the mug in his hands containing freshly brewed tea. He saw an empty potion vial on the table.
"Harry! Oh, Harry, dear," Mrs. Weasley was saying. "What's happened?"
"She's afraid of me," Harry felt his lips form the words.
"What? Who is?" Mr. Weasley asked, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"D-" her name caught in his throat and he settled on shaking his head.
"Come now, dear," Mrs. Weasley finally said, standing and bustling into the kitchen. "Take your time. No need to push yourself. You drink your tea and I'll fix you some food. You are far too thin. Yes. Then you can tell us what happened. Alright, dear?" Harry felt his head nod.
He was a monster. Daphne was afraid of him.
Harry wasn't sure how much time had past but soon Mrs. Weasley had placed a plate of warm biscuits in front of him and had fixed herself and husband mugs of tea as well. They each took seats at the table and watched him.
"Drink up, Harry, you'll feel better," Mr. Weasley urged gently. Harry did so. His tea was lukewarm now but it still seeped into the cracks that had formed in his mind. His looping record of thoughts slowed. He took another sip.
"It's too bad you missed Ron, dear. He is working nights this week at Auror training," Mrs. Weasley began to tell him. Talking as though he hadn't just arrived in her living room after midnight. "He is doing so well. Ginny's at school of course. Her and Ernie, such a nice boy. Well, we just got a letter from her just this morning detailing the second full week of school. She said they have a former Auror as their Defense instructor this year. Percy visited us just yesterday, brought his girlfriend with him. She's a sweet girl. Works at the Ministry with him. He brought her to your birthday party last month, perhaps you remember?" Harry finished his tea and Mr. Weasley refilled it, pushing the plate of biscuits closer to him. Harry bit into one and enjoyed the blueberry flavor. "Now, Charlie on the other hand, Merlin knows we've nearly given up on him bringing home a girl. He told you he was relocating to the dragon reserve here, didn't he? Oh I was ever so pleased. I tried convincing him to just move back in but he refused."
Harry ate his second biscuit and finished his mug of tea once again. Mr. Weasley refilled it. Harry's thoughts weren't as fragmented now. He could still vividly picture the fear clouding those blue-grey eyes, the paleness of her face as she stared at him, the burning shame that lit his gut, but it wasn't consuming him now.
"I'm sorry about Charlie," Harry cut into the Weasley matriarchs ramblings.
He missed the look exchanged by the couple since he was still staring at the mug in his hands.
"Don't you fret about that, Harry," Mr. Weasley said kindly. "We know you would never dream of hurting him normally. It was just a mistake. No harm done."
"He was hurt because of me though. I didn't want to hurt him. I didn't want to hurt any of them."
"We know, dearie. No one blames you for any of it. Especially not us, nor any of your friends."
"But it doesn't matter whether we blame you or not," Mr. Weasley said softly. "It's you who needs to remember it. You can't keep blaming yourself, son."
Harry's throat closed up and his eyes stung. "I should have done something sooner."
"None of that, now," Mrs. Weasley said sternly and Harry turned to look at her. Her lined face showing her years, laugh lines around her eyes and worry lines about her mouth. Her ginger hair streaked lightly with grey but her eyes just as warm as when he first met her on Platform Nine and Three Quarters. "You did everything you could. No use dwelling on the past. There is nothing changing it."
Silence fell once more and Harry finished his tea and Mr. Weasley refilled it. Mrs. Weasley went to go put another pot on.
"What happened, Harry?" Mr. Weasley asked when his wife returned.
Harry was silent for a few more moments. "I'm sure you've read the papers? Heard what they say about me now. Say I'm an alcoholic. I'm not though. Really. Sure...I mean...I've come to rely on it a bit, more than I did, but it helps. Helps me sleep, helps me not remember. Why can't they realize that?" Harry pleaded. "Why can't they just leave me be? I'm so tired of everything. All of it. Why can't they just let me have my peace. Who cares how I get it?" Harry huffed angrily. The words spilling from his lips in the quiet sanctuary of the Burrows kitchen.
"Now, I can't say for your friends," Mr. Weasley began. "But we certainly understand the desire." Harry blinked in surprise. "You forget, we've fought through two wars and lost many people very near and dear to us. We all have our methods of coping."
"Despite how much we understand though, doesn't make it right," Mrs. Weasley continued. "You have fought so hard and for so long. Do you really want to waste the life you won?"
"It's easier. I never expected to live," Harry said quietly. The kitchen was still dark, a gas light Mrs. Weasley had turned on when they first arrived being the only light and it cast everything in a soft glow. It was calm and peaceful. "But all of them, they deserve to live far more than I did. Remus and Tonks, they just had a kid. And Fred? Fred had so much more to give. Why couldn't it have been me? I would have switched with any of them."
He was enveloped in warmth as Mrs. Weasley brought him into a hug and he felt Mr. Weasley holding him from the side. "Oh, Harry, you do deserve to live, never think differently," he heard the muffled words next to his ear. "And I don't think a single one of them would have allowed you to swap even if you had the chance. They believed in the life you could live. The life you deserve."
Harry swallowed hard against the lump in his throat and clutched at Mrs. Weasley, he felt Mr. Weasleys calloused hand stroking his hair. His cheeks felt wet and he blinked rapidly. His chest hurt. "I miss them all, so much," he choked out.
"I know dear, we miss them too," Mrs. Weasley assured him. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley continued holding him for another ten minutes or so before returning to their seats. Harry felt hollow and lighter but at the same time the weight of his pain and guilt still crushing in. It seemed easier to handle at the moment though.
Harry took another deep breath and Mr. Weasley pushed his refilled tea mug into his hands. "The others, they've banned all alcohol from the Manor," he stated. "Draco and Tracey, they are like me. Drank a lot to help them deal with things, we usually met up at night. We haven't made it easy. I've been so angry at all of them."
"Why?" Mr. Weasley questioned, his eyes held no judgement, just a desire to support and comfort him.
"Because they are trying to control me!" Harry exclaimed. "Demanding that I stop. Acting like they care. Pretending to understand. But they don't! None of them do. I've been controlled my whole life and I thought they were my friends. They aren't supposed to control me like this."
The Weasley elders stayed silent for a few moments. "Harry, when Hermione suffered her incident just the other week. What did you do?"
"I took care of her," he replied instantly. "I looked after her and got Madam Pomfrey and Padma. I made sure she wasn't left alone in case she needed something or someone."
"Why did you do this?" Mr. Weasley pressed.
"Because it's Hermione. My friend. My sister."
"So why can't she look after you just the same?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"Because I don't need help! I don't want help. She almost died! She needed someone."
"Don't you think she probably feels the same?" Mr. Weasley asked. "Her method might have been quicker but you're method will take you just the same."
Harry sat silently and ate another biscuit.
"What happened tonight, Harry dear?"
"I yelled at her," Harry mumbled. His shame and horror resurfacing. "I said such horrible things. She was afraid of me."
"I'm sure it wasn't so bad," Mrs. Weasley attempted to soothe him.
"No it was. I saw the fear in her eyes. She was afraid of me. Me!" Harry put his mug down and gripped his hair, his elbows on the table now. "Ron and Hermione say I have a saving people thing and I guess looking back on it I guess I do. I save people from the bad stuff, I save them from their fears. I'm not the one they fear. But she was afraid of me. I've lost her."
"Nothing is ever truly lost," Mrs. Weasley replied. "It will be hard yes, but you can show her you're sorry. You can prove that you are better than what you said and did."
"You care for her a great deal and I'm certain she cares just as much," Mr. Weasley continued. "Harsh words spoken in anger can hurt but can be mended. You just need to remember what you want to regain and fight hard for it. You're a fighter, Harry. You always have been. So don't stop fighting now."
"You fought to have the chance to live. So now fight to make that life worth living."
Harry felt heartened by their words but still felt despair at the idea. Daphne's eyes haunting him each time he closed his eyes. "How?"
"You apologize for one," Mr. Weasley told him with an amused twinkle in his eye. "Remember this for future arguments as well. Always apologize, even if you think you were right." Mrs. Weasley huffed and tried to glare but her lips twitched in a fond smile as she gazed at her husband of three decades. "No argument is really worth losing someone important over."
Harry was already shaking his head. "She won't listen to me. I know she won't. She's one of the most stubborn women I've ever met."
Arthur Weasley smirked lightly, staring fondly at his own wife. "Then show her with your actions. It's different for all women on what action will speak the most but you must find it and do it."
Harry nodded with a sigh, his mind trying to think of ways to show Daphne he was sorry.
"But I doubt it is just Daphne you need to apologize to," Mrs. Weasley added.
Harry jerked slightly. "I-I didn't say it was Daphne," he protested, his cheeks flaming.
"My mistake," Mrs. Weasley corrected herself, patting his hand with a knowing smile. Grumbling lightly, Harry looked back down at his mug. "But from what it sounds like, you've been angry at all of them. You've probably said quite a lot that you don't mean."
Harry flushed and reflected that the woman was probably right. Hermione and Padma had received awful tongue lashings from him as well. Sighing, Harry thought that they probably didn't deserve it either. Mentally he groaned. He had been a git the past few days. He'd be apologizing for weeks.
"I'm sorry for coming here so late," he said after the silence had stretched. It wasn't oppressive though. It was a comforting silence, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley sipping their tea, Mr. Weasley refilling all of their mugs when they emptied.
"Nonsense, dearie, I told you before you are welcome at any time. Our home is your home, has been for years." Harry swallowed hard at Mrs. Weasley's words.
"In fact," Mr. Weasley continued, frowning thoughtfully. "We planned on making this part of your Christmas present. Yours and Hermiones' but I think you need it now." Harry blinked in confusion as the Weasley patriarch stood and walked towards the Weasley Family Clock and took it down. He brought the clock back to the table and then left the room. Harry heard the man climbing the stairs only to return minutes later. This time, holding a scrap of cloth in this hands. He handed it to Harry. "Open it."
Harry blinked and took the cloth and felt something solid within the folds. Bewildered, Harry unwrapped the cloth only to have a small golden hand with his name on it roll onto his lap. Harry stared at it and with shaking fingers lifted it to eye level. His throat felt tight once more.
"As I said earlier this summer, I know we can't replace Lilly and James but we have always considered you our son," Mrs. Weasley explained.
Harry pressed his lips tightly together to stop them from shaking. "Please," Harry said softly, handing his hand to Mr. Weasley. The man smiled kindly before requesting a few drops of blood on the back of the hand. Harry numbly complied, then watch with fascination as his hand was attached to the clock.
The silence stretched as Mr. Weasley then went to hang the clock back up on the wall. Harry's hand was resting on 'Home' and his heart clenched with a delightful pain that made him want to laugh and cry at the same time. "I've modified it slightly," Mr. Weasley said as he returned to the table. "Since most everyone has moved out, 'Home' symbolizes here and their actual home of residence. Since it's quite possible to have more than one."
Harry just nodded, unable to speak. "Thank you," he finally choked out, his voice rough, almost ten minutes later.
"Of course, dearie. Hermione has one too. But we will wait to give her hers," Mrs. Weasley said.
"How are you feeling?" Mr. Weasley asked after refilling the tea mugs with the newest pot of tea. The sun was starting to creep through the windows, casting a golden glow on everything.
Harry took another sip of his tea and actually thought about the question. "Better," he finally settled on. "I'm not great yet. I don't know when, or if, I ever will be. But better. I still want a stiff drink and I'm still angry that my friends took it upon themselves to fix me and control my life. But, I suppose I understand it better."
"I'm glad. Now, if I'm not mistaken, you have a Wizengamot meeting in just a few hours, isn't that right?" Mr. Weasley questioned.
Harry started and looked at his watch and swore loudly. "Language!" Mrs. Weasley scolded automatically and Harry froze, only to feel a sheepish smile stretch across his lips. Yes, things would get better.
Rushing to his feet, because the first meeting was in two hours. He had stayed at the Burrow all night. "Thank you. For everything, thank you," he said, turning to the elderly couple who were standing as well. Still dressed in their night clothes from when he had woken them up hours ago and with bags forming under their eyes from the late night but smiling with such warmth and love that he couldn't stop himself rushing them in a hug.
Hurrying to the Floo, Harry sent one last look at the couple now holding each other in their living room, feeling his heart squeeze and his throat grow tight once again that night, he gave one final nod before disappearing into the flames.
Exiting the Floo, Harry found the manor a madhouse. Everyone seemed to be shouting and snapping angrily at each other from the different levels of the house. Stifling a yawn, he walked into the main lobby area which connected to the staircase, held the multicolored furniture, and opened to reveal all three levels of the house. Harry stared in surprise at the chaos.
"Harry!" Hermione screeched causing him to flinch back slightly as his friend rushed him and dug her fingers into his arm. "I found him!" She screamed up at the other occupants, all of whom seemed to materialize from all around to crowd him. Patronus bounded up to him and almost knocked him over as his wolf dog reached up to him, his front paws landing on Harry's stomach.
"Down, Patronus," Harry wheezed, pushing the dog down but keeping his hand on the top of the dogs head as the others of the house started talking over each other.
"Where have you been?" "Do you know what time it is?" "You need to get ready for the Wizengamot! You'll be late."
"I was at the Burrow," Harry tried to explain, fighting against the mass of people. "I'm sorry I worried you but listen, I need to speak with Daphne."
"No time," Pansy snapped sharply. "We have to get you ready for the Wizengamot and you have to show up early to make the proper impression. You still have damage control to do from those blasted articles."
"Ok, in a minute. I need to talk to Daphne."
Harry looked around but couldn't see her honeyed curls anywhere. Hermione, Pansy, Padma, and Tracey were dragging him along. The other male members of the house glaring at him for apparently causing such trouble first thing in the morning.
"Oi! Thought we had to notify people whenever we leave the house," Theo said angrily. Harry felt bad, the bookish Slytherin had probably had to put up with Hermione's fretting the most.
"Look, I'm sorry. Honest. It wasn't planned. But I need to talk to Daphne. I need to apologize."
"Save it, Potter," Pansy cut him off. "She does not want to talk to you right now anyway."
"That's why I need to talk to her."
They were on the third floor now and Harry tried to push past the witches to reach Daphne's door but the four witches were joined by Dudley, Neville, and Hannah, who helped push him into his own room. "Harry, you need to get ready," Neville explained. "This is the first session since the war, if we don't make it on time then we will have to wait until the next years session to introduce ourselves to the court."
"But, Daphne-"
"Doesn't want to talk to you right now. So, focus on the Wizengamot for now," Tracey advised. "She's helped you get ready for today, don't make it so she's wasted her time even further."
Harry flinched a little at that and at the glare Tracey was giving him but stopped struggling. He allowed robes to be thrust into his hands and be pushed into the bathroom. He changed without paying much attention. His thoughts reeling. How much did the others know of last night? Had they heard what he said?
Finally dressed, Harry suffered through Pansy and Tracey fixing his hair and Padma thrusting his note cards into his hands, which he then stuffed in his pockets. A headache pounded against his skull and he squeezed his eyes tight against the pain while he yawned again. Merlin he was exhausted. They had just under an hour to make it to the Wizengamot.
"Come on, the first session of the year is always the busiest," Neville said, pushing on his shoulder to lead him to the Floo.
"We still have time, please, just let me speak to Daphne, real quick."
"Not now, Potter," Malfoy ground out, the other men having joined the group to help push Harry towards the Floo.
"But-"
"Harry, stop," Hermione said, gripping his arms once again and forcing him to face her. "We don't know all of what happened last night but Daphne will not talk to you right now. So focus on this Wizengamot session, focus on what you have been working on all summer. This is your chance to start really changing the Wizarding World. Do not blow this."
"Daphne-"
"Show her that you actually listened to her political advice first," Hermione insisted.
Harry swallowed, his gut twisting at the thought of just leaving without trying first but he saw no way through the group surrounding him unless he started firing spells and that would do him no good. Growling, he gave a short nod to show he understood. "Fine. But listen, Hermione, I wanted to say. I really am sorry for the way I've treated you the past few days." Hermione blinked in surprise. "You too Padma. I still do not agree with what you are trying to do and I don't like how you are controlling me, but I understand you are attempting to help and I'm sorry for being such an ass about it."
Padma snorted but gave a nod, while Hermione narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing his genuineness before her eyes softened and gave him a brief hug. "Go on now, show them you mean business."
Neville dragged him forward to the Floo, pushing Harry forward first. He supposed they all thought it best for Harry to leave first so there would be less chance of him trying to make a dash for the door again. Hannah grabbed Patronus's collar when the dog attempted to follow Harry into the fireplace. His thoughts still spinning from the Floo, Harry blinked as he stepped into the Ministry Atrium and swallowed hard against his disgust at the sight. The Ministry had not provided him with very many happy memories. Neville soon appeared at his shoulder.
The two had only managed a few steps before the press swarmed them, drawing the attention of the regular Ministry workers and just random citizens who had wanted to see the first Wizengamot session of the year. In the months leading up to the final battle apparently the Wizengamot had disbanded for fear of their own lives.
A couple Auror's arrived on the scene and pushed the reporters back so that Harry and Neville could walk towards the lifts. However, Harry still heard the questions thrown at his back. Questions about his sanity, about his drinking problem, about if the Slytherin's in his care were slipping him potions, if he was fit to place his vote at the Wizengamot. Neville stayed strong by his side, murmuring for him to stay focused and to just keep walking. "Blast them all to bits once we get back to the Manor. Unleash at the Manor. Don't listen to them," were the words on repeat in his ear. Harry could hear the blood pounding in his ears and his head throbbed.
Reaching the elevator, Neville quickly shut the doors and mashed the button for the appropriate level. The disembodied voice sounded and Harry felt a chill. Suddenly fifteen again and racing to rescue Sirius with Neville, Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Luna at his back. Harry swallowed hard and tried to shut off his thoughts. Taking deep breaths, Harry all but ran out of the lift when the doors opened.
Neville came up beside him and together they strode towards the main Wizengamot room. Harry had only ever seen the Wizengamot during his court hearing but that had been in the trial room, not where the governing body typically met. Pushing open the doors, Harry saw the room was just as crowded as the Ministry Atrium and pushed back his unease. The room seemed to be separated into two parts. On the far side were high backed chairs, raised like rows of bleachers. The first row held about six seats, the second held eight, the third, fourth and fifth rows all held twelve seats each. On the other side of the room there seemed to be a viewing area, contained behind a half wall with ordinary wooden armchairs.
Separating the two halves of the room were three other raised chairs at different levels, two were high backed and important looking with a smaller desk and ordinary chair next to them on the floor. Percy Weasley was already seated behind the desk methodically preparing quills and parchment in front of him.
Neville must have seen Harry's uncertainty because he began explaining as a means of distracting him. "Those seats, there are for the Wizengamot members. The top three rows are for the Heads of House, you know like the Sacred-Twenty Eight members and the Ancient and Noble Houses and such." Harry nodded, but knew it wasn't all of the Sacred Twenty-Eight since the Weasley's weren't included. "The next row down is the major Department Heads and other influencing bodies, so like Department of Mysteries, Law Enforcement, St. Mungo's, and the School Board of Governors Chairman. The last row, closest to the floor are the elected people. They swap out every five years or so." Harry nodded, recalling the instruction from Narcissa and Andromeda over the summer. "And then those seats," Neville continued, pointing to the three seats separating the halves. "Are for the Chief Warlock and the Minister of Magic, the Chief is in the higher seat, and then the Court Scribe," Neville finished nodding at Percy.
"I thought there were more members," Harry commented as they walked further into the room, skirting the edge of the crowd who were being ushered into the viewing section by more Aurors.
"There were. You forget, mate, you hold like what thirty of the votes?"
Harry flushed slightly at the reminder. "So where do we sit?"
"Well typically, if you are of an Ancient and Noble House or a Sacred Twenty-Eight then your seats are already pre-signed. It's where your family has sat for centuries. Most have their name on the head of the chair."
Neville moved forward and Harry followed nervously. The adrenaline of being on edge around the crowd awakening him but making his headache worse. Questions were still being thrown at him and he tried his best to ignore them, walking even closer to Neville. "Since you have so many, you can choose which name you want to sit at."
"Potter," Harry answered instantly.
Neville just nodded like this hadn't been in doubt and reached the bleachered seats. "Luckily, the Longbottoms and Potters sat near each other due to our families long standing alliance." Harry felt relief flooding him. He had been worried. He knew Potter and Peverell were not Sacred-Twenty Eight Members, though they were considered Ancient and Noble and received just as much respect and recognition but wasn't sure how that affected the seating.
"How do you know all this stuff?"
"Grans' been taking me to these for years. Trying to train me up to be ready to take the seat. Malfoy, Nott, all of them have been coming for years with their fathers too."
The two reached the second row but instead of continuing to climb, Neville stopped and wove his way towards a thin, bony, formidable woman with a red handbag draped across her arm that went well with her formal robes. Since it wasn't a trial, the member did not need to wear the plum-colored court robes but their own formal robes. Harry's were a midnight black with emerald green trim and Neville's were a silky charcoal with a blood red trim.
Harry gaped dumbly for a second recognizing the woman as Neville's Gran before following his friend; blushingly shaking the hand of the St. Mungo's representative as he passed and nodded to the curt greetings from the Head of the Department of Mysteries, a portly man with a bald head and eagle like eyes.
"Good morning, Mr. Potter," Augusta Longbottom said when Harry came to stand beside Neville.
"Good morning, Madam Longbottom," Harry replied nervously.
"It's good to see you two showed up on time, what have I said about arriving earlier than necessary, Neville?"
Neville sighed and nodded. "I know Gran and we planned on leaving early, there were just some complications this morning." Harry flushes slightly, knowing it was his fault.
"What brings you here?" Harry asked, before the stern woman could continue. "What seat are you holding?"
"I am acting Chairman of the School Board of Governors," the woman replied smartly.
"Congratulations," Harry replied, unsure of what else to say.
"Yes of course, now head to your seats, I'm certain we shall begin soon."
The boys nodded and Neville hugged the woman before moving back to the stairs. Neville had been right. The Potter and Longbottom seats were side-by-side and Harry sank into his chair gratefully. It was surprisingly comfortable.
Settled in his seat, Harry watched people continue taking their seats. The visiting area was overflowing but the actual member seats felt bare and empty. The second row of Department Heads and the elected body on the first row were filled but the Head of House rows had limited members. He spotted Susan Bones, sitting frostily on the third row on the opposite side of where Harry and Neville sat, holding the Bones seat. Next to her sat an older gentleman that Neville told him as Hannah's great-grandfather holding the Abbott seat. In front of Harry and Neville to their left sat Ernie MacMillan who nodded and gave both a grim smile and wave and then next to him sat a girl, who was more handsome than pretty with a strong jaw and hard set eyes. She looked vaguely familiar. On the row Harry and Neville occupied was another older gentleman who shrewdly observed everything and the fifth row held a very old and shaken Ollivander. It hurt to see.
Harry knew that since he held thirty of the seats most of the Head of House seats would forever remain empty. At least until those eight in his care had children he could pass the seat to. Narcissa and Andromeda had tried explaining how he would need to have children for all the seats he held until he reminded them how many seats he actually had and then they recommended just the ones he had actually inherited: Potter, Black, and Peverell. The thought still made him flush and his mind brought Daphne to his head which he stubbornly pushed aside. He couldn't think on that. He had to focus, luckily his tiredness had faded and his headache was now a dull ache he could mostly push past. Hermione had been right, he needed his full thoughts here.
So Harry continued thinking on the remaining seats. There were twenty seats that could be filled that he had no control over, six in the Heads of House section and then the elected members and the Department Heads. It was weird to think that for the next few decades or so, this was all that would govern the Wizarding populace: Seven Heads of House, six elected officials, and the eight Department Heads. Only twenty-one people. It would make pushing laws through easier but it felt wrong.
Typically the Wizengamot voting consisted of four-fifths majority, so forty of the fifty votes had to be in agreement on matters. Andromeda had explained that it was put in place for situations like Harry's where people held multiple seats couldn't overrule the entire governing body. Though the situation where one person held thirty seats had never been had before. It still prevented Harry from completely steam-rolling the Wizengamot every single time.
He checked his watch, five more minutes. Everyone was finding their seats. Neville was shifting nervously beside him. "You alright?"
"Yeah," Neville sighed. "Just nervous about leaving Hannah so long. She's getting better and she did fine when we went out the other night but…" he trailed off and his forehead creased with worry. Harry patted his shoulder unsure of what to say.
The two settled into silence and before Harry could stop them, his thoughts drifted to Daphne once again against. How could he show her his apology? What would show he was serious? He could buy her gifts maybe...she was accustomed to the finer things given how she was raised but Harry felt like throwing money and jewelry would cheapen his attempts. No, something heartfelt and meaningful.
"Wonder who the next Chief Warlock will be," Neville muttered, breaking Harry from his thoughts. Harry looked at the raised seats in the center of the room. Kingsley reclined in his seat and Percy was perched eagerly in his but the Chief Warlock one was empty. Harry chewed his lip, through all of their instructions, Narcissa and Andromeda had cautioned that he should stay on the nice side of the Chief Warlock, who didn't typically have a vote but did hold a lot of power.
Kingsley Shacklebolt rose from his seat as the Minister of Magic, the seat above him for the Chief Warlock was empty. The room fell silent though the click of cameras was heard. "Welcome, everyone, to the opening Wizengamot session of the year nineteen hundred and ninety-eight." Harry's eyes flickered to Percy Weasley who was dutifully writing every word down. "Before we can conduct any official business. There are a few matters to address. The first is the claiming of seats for all new Wizengamot members." The large man then gestured to the seats of the governing members as he sat down.
Harry and Neville glanced at each other, both wondering who should speak first but they were saved by the older gentleman on their row who stood. "Tiberius Ogden," the man said, his voice surprisingly firm despite his frail appearance. "Reclaiming the seat of House Ogden."
"Gran said him and Marchbanks resigned their seats in protest against Fudge when Umbridge was at Hogwarts. But since Marchbanks was a Ministry official her spot was replaced the next day," Neville quickly whispered to Harry before rising to his feet after Ogden sat.
"Neville Longbottom, claiming the seat of House Longbottom," Neville said, his voice clear and unwavering. Harry felt a flash of pride in his housemate. Neville sat and Harry took a breath before standing as well.
"Harry Potter, claiming the seats of House Potter, House Peverell, House Black, House Malfoy, House Nott, House Parkinson, House Greengrass, House Davis, House Goyle, House Crabbe, House Zabini, House Carrow, House Lestrange, House Dolohov, House Rowle, House Avery, House Gaunt, House Yaxley, House Rosier, House Mulciber, House Selwyn, House Crouch, House Travers, House Flint, House Fawley, House Bulstrode, House Rookwood, House MacNair, House Burke, and House Pucey." Harry felt slightly lightheaded after listing all of the names and quickly took his seat before the flushing of his face could be noticed. Narcissa and Andromeda had drilled the memorization of that list into his head for weeks so as not to mess it up.
There was a moment of silence before Susan Bones stood up. "Susan Bones, claiming the seat of House Bones."
Ernie stood next. "Ernie Macmillan, claiming the seat of House Macmillan."
The girl next to Ernie stood. "Morag MacDougal, claiming the seat of House MacDougal." Oh yes, Harry remembered the girl now, she had been in his year. Ravenclaw he was pretty certain. The girl promptly sat back down and Kingsley stood once more.
Harry noted that since Ollivander and Hannah's great-grandfather hadn't stood, he assumed that they had held their seats before the war as well.
"Welcome, all new members," Kingsley began. "Though our hall is emptier than in past years, I still hope to see progression and cooperation that will come from the new faces present. Speaking of the emptier hall, there is another matter to deal with before continuing on. The matter of our Chief Warlock." Harry glanced at the empty seat a few feet above Kingley's seat. "Now, the Chief Warlock is a member of the community who does not hold a Wizengamot seat but is still an upstanding citizen, capable of objective views, a mediator of the peace, someone who will only cast a vote during a draw, and will help guide the governing body to a greater future." Harry frowned as an idea popped into his head but he felt guilty of suggesting it without asking first. But it would be perfect...
Harry raised his hand before he could think further. "The acting Chief acknowledges House Potter and...and corresponding Houses," Kingsley said faltering slightly.
"House Potter works just fine," he smirked. Kingsley nodded and there were a few tittering chuckles from the visitors. "Question, acting Chief, do age or blood status affect the nominee?"
Neville glanced sharply up at Harry, eyes narrowed as he tried to follow Harry's thoughts.
"In the past it has been someone who has proven their capacity as an upstanding citizen, so the age was usually considered but it was never a requirement, and given the recent events and the youth of the governing body currently present, age should not be an influencer. As for blood status, it has no bearing either," Kingsley replied. "Nominations will be cast today and a vote will be held next week."
Perfect, thought Harry. He'd have a week to convince them.
"Are there any other questions?" Kingsley asked. There was silence. "Then let the nominations be cast."
There was silence for a moment before Harry raised his hand once again. "The acting Chief recognizes House Potter."
Harry stood feeling all eyes upon him and he took a breath. "House Potter nominates Hermione Granger for Chief Warlock."
The silence was deafening. Harry felt light headed once again. "House Longbottom seconds this nomination," Neville said standing quickly beside him.
"As does House MacMillan," Ernie chimed in, leaping to his feet.
"House MacDougal seconds the nomination as well," the former Ravenclaw declared surging to her feet.
The room filled with a deafening roar that sparked Harry's headache once again and Kingsley had to transfigure a gavel to bang in order to bring the room to silence. "Now, the acting chief recognizes and accepts the nomination from House Potter, Longbottom, MacDougal, and Macmillan. Are there any other nominations?"
Silence filled the room once again and Harry's heart thudded hard against his chest. What would happen if there were no other nominees? Harry glanced at the other members of the court and his eyes locked with Susan who was studying him closely an emotion he couldn't read flickering in her eyes before she too stood. "House Bones supports the nomination of House Potter." She didn't look at Kingsley though, her eyes remained on Harry's and Harry gave her a short nod which she returned. He wondered if she forgave him now? He could feel the shift in the air.
Harry considered forming an official alliance between the five of them, the former classmates, the survivors of the war that haunted them. Hannah too once she took her seat for House Abbott after her great-grandfather passed. It would mean that each time a law was passed, Harry would only need five more people instead of ten, but he brushed the thought aside for the moment.
"Acting Chief accepts the nomination of House Bones. Are there any other nominations?"
Again there was silence. "If there are no other nominations then we can vote now...I suppose," Kingsley continued frowning slightly as though uncertain of how to deal with the way things were going. "Right, so we will vote and those opposed had better give me another name as a reason for not voting yes," Kingsley growled lowly. "Now, all those in favor of Hermione Granger being the next Chief Warlock."
Harry, Neville, Susan, Morag, and Ernie all raised their wands and Harry scanned the other sixteen people.
Madam Longbottom was the next to raise her wand, her back straight, not even glancing at her grandson as she followed his lead in voting. The eager St. Mungo's representative thrust their wand up next and then Ollivander and Ogden did. Hannah's great-grandfather raised his wand next, followed by a woman representing the Department of International Cooperation. The wizards for the Department of Magical Law and Department of Transportation were next. Then the elected witch representing the youth vote and the elected wizard representing the shop owners and business citizens raised his.
A grin tugged at his lips. They had done it. They had reached the necessary forty people, over the necessary number actually. Almost a unanimous vote.
"Hermione Granger will be the Wizengamots' newest Chief Warlock, given she accepts the nomination. Her response will be provided within the week. If she declines then a new nomination must be put forth." Kingsley said after waiting enough time for the remaining seven to vote. "The Wizengamot will reconvene next month when the Chief Warlock will be present to further conduct appropriate business. Session adjourned."
Everyone stood from their seats. Most began intermingling and Harry spoke with everyone who had supported him in voting Hermione into office. The ones who knew Hermione brushed off his thanks stating that they knew a bright young witch such as her would be perfect the others only nodded easily, their eyes holding the promise of calling in a favor for their support.
His headache almost blinding and his knuckles tight against his wand trying to keep his frayed temper and emotions in check. He was pulling on all of the political training the Slytheirns had shoved down his throat the past few months and he could not blow it now. He was working to reestablish his reputation and he had a lot of ground to cover. Every time mentions of his alcoholism were brought up, Harry brushed it off with lighthearted jokes about it being a one time event that resulted from a reunion of fellow war fighters. Most seemed to buy it and Harry hoped the word would spread.
Finally Harry entered the lift with his four other former classmates. They were silent as the lift began to move.
"Thanks again for the support," Harry began.
"Don't mention it," Neville brushed it off again before gaining a mischievous grin. "I just can't wait until we get back and you get to tell Hermione what you just did."
Harry paled slightly. He had forgotten. he had planned on having a week to wheedle his best friend down and gain her acceptance of the idea. Susan, Ernie and Morag all snickered at him while Harry groaned. "Anyway, hows the school year going?" He asked, he wasn't sure if Morag had returned or not but Susan and Ernie had.
Ernie shrugged. "Different, quieter," he replied. "People are still adjusting and jumping at shadows."
"Everyone who was a First Year last year is repeating it again but most of them didn't return," Susan sighed.
"Don't blame them really," Morag commented with a frown. "Pretty much everyone is repeating their year anyway.
"Yes, but it will get better in time," Susan finished softly.
Harry wasn't sure what to say to that but just nodded. "Well, on the next holiday or break, how about you three come by and visit, it seems the five of us will be dominating most Wizengamot sessions, so maybe we could come up with an agenda and plan?"
"Sure," Ernie said easily. "Just send me an owl. McGonagall lets us all leave pretty much every weekend so maybe the weekend before the next session?"
"Aye, I'll be interested in joining in these talks," Morag agreed.
Susan shifted slightly as the lift stopped and the disembodied voice announced the Atrium level. "Yes," she finally breathed. "Yes, I'll accept the invitation."
"You do know who still lives in my house, yes?"
The Hufflepuff nodded and swallowed hard. "I do apologize for my previous actions and words against you. It was unbecoming of me and childish. I understand what you are attempting to do and can support your desire for a second chance, though personally I still find it hard to bear."
Harry nodded at her words. "I'll send you all an owl in a few weeks then." The three nodded and the five left the lift. Immediately they were swarmed by the press and the Aurors had a hard job of pushing people away. Harry repeated his lighthearted brush off of the drunken night and quoted how excited he was to start the progress of the Wizengamot. Daphne and Tracey had painstakingly written his responses and in between his angry outbursts Harry had been forced to memorize them. Draco, Blaise, and Theo had then pushed him to recite them to the point of making them sound casual and offhand instead of regurgitated memorization. Harry was thankful now.
Stepping out of the Floo back at the Manor, Harry breathed a sigh of relief. "Zabkey, headache potion, please," Harry called out, pinching the bridge of his nose. A pop sounded beside him and Harry accepted the potion vial with a relieved sigh. The two then left the Floo Room and entered the main lobby. Everyone was gathered around the multi-colored seats, even Narcissa and Andromeda. Well, everyone except Daphne.
The lack of her presence stung.
"Well? How did it go?" Tracey pressed, her gaze shifting between the two Gryffindors.
Neville began snickering evilly and Harry glared. "Hey, it's not just me. You seconded it."
"Yes, but you suggested it," his former roommate countered as he walked off to gather his girlfriend into his arms.
"What happened?" Everyone seemed tense and Harry rubbed the back of his neck.
"Well...we claimed our seats and voted on the new Chief Warlock."
"That's good news, yes?" Padma asked with a frown, the motion pulling at the scars on her face.
"Oh yes," Neville snickered. The eyes of those who had not been in attendance bounced between Harry and Neville.
"Well? Who is it?" Pansy huffed.
Harry swallowed. "Congratulations, Hermione," he said weakly. "You've kind of been almost unanimously selected as the new Chief Warlock."